US3723711A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Meter particularly measured quantity read-out device therefor
Assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
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Filing: 1971-05-20
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Granted: 1973-03-27
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Expires: 1991-05-20
Abstract
Abstract A measured quantity readout device for use with flowmeters and the like comprising means for producing electrical signals indicative of the measurement of a predetermined quantity of flow; a motor adapted to be actuated by the electrical signals and driving a digit wheel which is provided with coded elements on its periphery for indicating the quantity of flow; two sets of contacts mounted on respective support plates and urged toward each other by a spring such that each engages the digit wheel in diametrically opposed positions on its outer periphery to sense the presence or absence of the coded elements; output lines for reading out signals indicating whether either or both of the sets of contacts are closed by the sensing of a coded element; and means operated by the motor for urging the sets of contacts out of engagement with the digit wheel to render the wheel free to be driven by the motor during its actuation by the electrical signals. Alternate embodiments of the latter means are disclosed and the details of one form of signal-producing means.
Inventors
- 👤 T Kamata
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 10:25
CPC Classifications
G; G04; G04C; G04C19/00; G04C19/04; G06; G06M; G06M1/00; G06M1/27; G06M1/276
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
172 words
A measured quantity read-out device comprising: a. a signal producing means for producing a signal indicative of the measurement of a predetermined quantity; b. a motor adapted to be actuated in response to a signal from said signal-producing means; c. at least one indicator wheel driven by said motor and provided on its outer periphery with elements for indicating the predetermined quantity in code; d. detection means for cooperating with the coded elements and normally maintained in contact with the indicator wheel for detecting the presence of the coded elements on the indicator wheel, said detection means including two movable contact means engaging the indicator wheel in positions diametrically opposed to each other on the outer periphery of the indicator wheel; e. output means connected to said detection means for producing coded output signals; and f. means operated by said motor for breaking the contact between said detection means and the indicator wheel when said motor is actuated so as to render the indicator wheel free to be rotated by said motor.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
172 words
A measured quantity read-out device comprising: a. a signal producing means for producing a signal indicative of the measurement of a predetermined quantity; b. a motor adapted to be actuated in response to a signal from said signal-producing means; c. at least one indicator wheel driven by said motor and provided on its outer periphery with elements for indicating the predetermined quantity in code; d. detection means for cooperating with the coded elements and normally maintained in contact with the indicator wheel for detecting the presence of the coded elements on the indicator wheel, said detection means including two movable contact means engaging the indicator wheel in positions diametrically opposed to each other on the outer periphery of the indicator wheel; e. output means connected to said detection means for producing coded output signals; and f. means operated by said motor for breaking the contact between said detection means and the indicator wheel when said motor is actuated so as to render the indicator wheel free to be rotated by said motor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A measured quantity read-out device as in claim 1 wherein said detection means further comprises spring means for urging said two movable contact means toward each other and against the periphery of said indicator wheel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
104 words
A device as in claim 1, wherein said signal producing means comprises a power supply; a capacitor for accepting a charge from said power supply in response to the measurement of a predetermined quantity; a transistor connected to said capacitor and said motor for producing a current to actuate said motor upon the discharge of said capacitor; means for discharging said capacitor to actuate said motor in response to the measurement of a predetermined quantity; cam means rotated by said motor upon actuation; and switch means actuated by said cam means for maintaining the actuation of said motor during a portion of cam rotation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
126 words
A device as in claim 1, wherein said signal-producing means comprises first magnet means having north and south poles and adapted for rotation in response to the measurement of a predetermined quantity; second and third magnetic means having north and south poles and disposed in parallel, each with a like pole located respectively adjacent the north and south poles of said first magnetic means; switch means having two electrical contacts, the closing of either of which supplies a signal to said motor; pivot means having two arms, one for mounting said switch means and the other for mounting said second and third magnetic means such that rotation of said first magnet will rotate the switch means about said pivot means to close one of said contacts.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
A device as in claim 1, wherein said coded elements comprise upstanding pins on said indicator wheel, coded in combinations in positions diametrically opposite to each other on the outer periphery of said wheel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
177 words
A measured quantity read-out device comprising: a. motive means activated in response to a signal indicative of the measurement of a predetermined quantity; b. at least one indicator wheel driven by said motive means for indicating by its movement the measurement of said predetermined quantity; c. coded means on the outer periphery of said indicator wheel for converting the movement of said indicator wheel into a coded indication of the predetermined quantity measured; d. detection means normally contacting said indicator wheel for sensing the presence of said coded means thereon said detection means including for each indicator wheel two movable contact means engaging the indicator whEel in positions diametrically opposed to each other on the outer periphery of the indicator wheel; e. output means connected to said detector means for producing output signals in response to the sensing of said coded means; and f. means driven by said motive means for breaking the contact between said indicator wheel and said detection means to permit free movement of said indicator wheel during the actuation of said motive means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
177 words
A measured quantity read-out device comprising: a. motive means activated in response to a signal indicative of the measurement of a predetermined quantity; b. at least one indicator wheel driven by said motive means for indicating by its movement the measurement of said predetermined quantity; c. coded means on the outer periphery of said indicator wheel for converting the movement of said indicator wheel into a coded indication of the predetermined quantity measured; d. detection means normally contacting said indicator wheel for sensing the presence of said coded means thereon said detection means including for each indicator wheel two movable contact means engaging the indicator whEel in positions diametrically opposed to each other on the outer periphery of the indicator wheel; e. output means connected to said detector means for producing output signals in response to the sensing of said coded means; and f. means driven by said motive means for breaking the contact between said indicator wheel and said detection means to permit free movement of said indicator wheel during the actuation of said motive means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
58 words
A measured quantity read-out device as in claim 6 wherein each of said two movable contact means comprises a pivotable support plate and two contact bars on said support plate, one of said bars engaging said indicator wheel for detecting the presence of the coded elements thereon, and engaging said other bar when a coded element is detected.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
46 words
A device as in claim 6 wherein said contact-breaking means comprises a cam rotated by said motive means and positioned between said two movable contact means; said cam having surfaces thereon for urging the contact means away from each other during a portion of its rotation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
53 words
A device as in claim 6 wherein said contact-breaking means comprises a crank means rotated by said motive means and means connected between said crank means and each of said two movable contact means for urging said contact means away from each other during a portion of the rotation of said crank means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
61 words
A device as in claim 6 wherein said contact-breaking means comprises rack means; means connected between said rack means and each of said two movable contact means; and pinion means rotated by said motor and cooperating with said rack means for urging said two movable contact means away from each other during a portion of the rotation of said pinion means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-03-26 | 1976-09-25 | 1977-03-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-03-26 | 1980-09-25 | 1981-03-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-03-26 | 1984-09-25 | 1985-03-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |